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← How to grow beets
Planting Calendar · Zone 4A

When to plant beets in zone 4a

In USDA zone 4a, start beets seeds indoors around May 7, transplant outdoors May 7, and harvest from Jul 1.

Growing SeasonZone 4a
Last frost ~May 7First frost ~Oct 13Today
Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk
APRMAYJUNJULAUG
Start indoors May 7 · Sow May 7 · First harvest Jul 1 · Wrap by Jul 29
Last spring frostMay 7
Start seeds indoorsMay 7
Direct sowMay 7
First harvestJul 1
Last harvestJul 29
Fall succession sowAug 18
First fall frostOct 13

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 frost-free days. Beets tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 0 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Aug 18 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does beets take to grow in zone 4a?

Beets matures in about 55–70 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around May 7 and first picking around Jul 1.

Will beets survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — beets tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).

Can I plant a second crop of beets in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 18 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full beets growing guide →